Rising global temperatures drive increased energy demands for cooling
- Last year, cooling needs saw a 20% increase compared to the long-term average between 2000 and 2020, largely due to rising temperatures.
- Data centers have grown significantly, with a 20% increase in installed capacity concentrated mainly in the U.S. and China.
- The combination of increased cooling needs, data center demands, and rising petrochemical consumption points to significant challenges and opportunities for energy management.
In recent years, global energy consumption has increasingly shifted toward cooling due to rising temperatures. In 2024, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reported a 20% increase in cooling needs compared to averages from 2000 to 2020, primarily driven by hotter climate conditions. This surge in demand has led to a corresponding increase in coal consumption, highlighting the urgent need for cleaner cooling solutions. The growth of data centers has emerged as another crucial factor affecting global energy demand. Over the past year, installed data center capacity grew by 20%, with significant concentrations in the United States and China. While data centers currently account for only about 1% of global electricity consumption, they significantly impact local electricity demand in several countries, notably in Ireland where they make up over 20% of total electricity use. Additionally, despite an overall slowdown in oil demand attributed to factors like increased use of electric vehicles, the petrochemical industry has gained momentum. China has become the driving force behind a 12% increase in petrochemical feedstocks, which are essential for producing various chemicals and materials. The demand for these feedstocks poses challenges as the sector will need to gradually transition to greener alternatives to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The interrelated issues of growing cooling demands, expanding data centers, and rising petrochemical needs are challenging global energy trends. Key countries including India and China are projected to account for a large share of air conditioning units by 2040, potentially exacerbating energy demands and underlining the need for innovative solutions in energy usage and management.